Health Informatics Seminar- Brian P. Cooper on North Carolina Statewide Telepsychiatry Program

Abstract:

Of North Carolina’s 100 counties, 70 are considered rural. Many rural communities in North Carolina experience a lack of access to health care services and are designated Health Professional Shortage Areas due to workforce shortages in primary care, mental health, and dental health. Telehealth and telemedicine can help to increase access to care by connecting patients with a provider at a distant site. Initiatives like the North Carolina Statewide Telepsychiatry Program (NC-STeP) provide virtual care services across the state and have been successful in improving outcomes for rural and underserved populations.

Biosketch:

Brian Cooper, Jr., MHA is the Telepsychiatry & Rural Hospital Specialist for the North Carolina Office of Rural Health, a division of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. His role involves the administration of two federal grants that benefit small and rural hospitals across North Carolina. Brian is also heavily involved with the North Carolina Statewide Telepsychiatry Program and served as the primary author for the telemedicine study recently conducted by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Brian holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and has a passion for working with rural and underserved communities.